Dan Sheehan: 'It’s easy to look at the last three years as a failure'

Leinster hooker Dan Sheehan says the province did everything right in the build-up to their three Champions Cup final defeats.

Leinster are preparing for their semi-final against Northampton on Saturday at the Aviva Stadium, as they aim to reach a fourth straight final.

After narrow, heartbreaking defeats to La Rochelle in 2022 and 2023, they were once again denied by French opposition in London last year, as Toulouse overcame Leo Cullen's side in extra time.

As they chase their fifth European Cup — and a first piece of silverware since 2021 — Sheehan says there has not been a massive overhaul in approach this season.

“It’s easy to look at the last three years as a failure, but it’s one of those situations where we did absolutely everything right in the run-up to the final.

“I don’t think it feels massively different [this season]. There’s a great buzz, we’re reset, and we’ve left [those defeats] behind.

“There is a great buzz around the changing room — but I would have said the same this time last year in the run-up to the semi-final.

“All the lads are happy with where we are at the moment. The motivation levels are at an all-time high, and we’re looking forward to ripping into Northampton at the weekend.”

Standing in their way of another shot at silverware are English side Northampton, who have had a difficult domestic season.

However, similar to last year, they have found a way in Europe, with their attack set to test Leinster’s defence — which has not conceded a point in its last two European games.

“We probably run a bit of a high-risk, high-reward defensive system, which has been clicking well for us in Europe over the last few weeks.

“Coming off the back of a tough performance against Scarlets, we have to make